Apple pulled Telegram from the App Store on Monday after detecting child sexual abuse material linked to a single user on the platform. The tech giant restored access to the messaging app later the same day once Telegram removed the content and banned the account involved.
The removal blocked new users on iPhone and iPad from downloading the platform globally, while existing users retained access throughout the outage. Apple stated that the app violated its strict guidelines prohibiting illicit content, adding that restoration occurred only after Telegram resolved the issue.
Telegram addressed the suspension through official statements and posts on X. The company confirmed that Apple flagged one user sharing illegal material, leading to an immediate ban.
Telegram stated that its moderation teams have taken down more than 337,900 groups and channels related to child sexual abuse material in 2026, following 29,640 removals in 2025 based on reports from organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Reacting to Apple’s action on X, Telegram wrote, “Reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated,” alongside the Apple emoji.
The platform also tagged Apple on X, posting, “I’m sure this stance will be applied equally to all other apps in the store, in the future right?”
Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple’s move on X, pointing to the company’s market control.
Sweeney wrote, “Apple’s App Store desperately needs competition worldwide. Apple capriciously removes a vital communication and privacy tool from availability to a billion users, and sadly this is business as usual.”
He further noted, “They did not elaborate on how, if that is the standard for app removal, any communications app could operate at scale, including iMessage.”
The suspension marks another chapter in Telegram’s history of regulatory and corporate friction. Apple previously pulled Telegram in 2018 over inappropriate content before restoring it after security updates.
Global regulators have also increased pressure on the platform. Russian authorities charged Telegram CEO Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism, alleging that Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups use the platform to coordinate attacks.
Telegram responded to the Russian charges by posting an image of Durov flashing a middle finger on X.
Britain’s communications regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into the platform over child abuse material, which Telegram denied, citing automated detection algorithms built since 2018.
Australia’s online safety regulator also fined the platform for failing to answer queries regarding violent content moderation.
